Do you use the expression “being chafouin” wisely?
You will find out in this article
Do you know the expression "to be chafouin"?
Rather reserved for a high level of language, its use has evolved over time.
We find this expression in the following cases:
This child is a little rascal.
His sly laugh is contagious.
Synonym of cunning, sly
In terms of etymology, the word "chafouin" originates from the words "chat" and "fouin".
The weasel is the masculine form of "weasel", a small animal that usually hunts at night.
Its origin explains its meaning, since someone sly is someone cunning, sneaky or even deceitful or even disloyal.
However, in recent years, the meaning of the word "chafouin" has evolved slightly.
It is now used to designate a person in a gloomy mood, someone grumpy.
For example :
He's been looking cheeky since this morning.
I think he has a sly face.
A misused expression
So, is it fair to use the expression "to be fussy" to refer to someone who is in a bad mood, upset or even upset?
You will understand, the answer is no.
Although the phrase has evolved into this meaning in a popular way, it is incorrect to use it in this setting.
Thus, if you want to make the best use of the French language, you will avoid using the term "être chafouin" to refer to a person in a bad mood.
On the other hand, you can use it to designate a cunning or sneaky person, which corresponds to its true meaning.
You will find this use of the word "chafouin" rather in the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Company
“For the intention of” or “To the attention of”: How to stop making the mistake?
Company
“Cordially”, “yourself”… Which polite formulas to use in your emails?
Company
Spelling
Expression
French language
Etymology